There were many highlights in 2012-13 for the Girls & Women’s game in Norfolk.
It was a very successful season for the Norfolk Women’s & Girls football League, with 106 teams entering, starting off at Under 10’s all the way through to Under 16’s. The League also ran a Ladies 7-a-side league and two very competitive 11-a-side divisions. As a County FA we’re supporting the League to ensure that they are providing development opportunities and retention within the game. This relationship also allows us to have closer contact with teams that may be struggling and require support.
Looking at the local female teams playing in higher tiered football, this season Acle United experienced their first season in the Eastern Region Division One North and Norwich City Reserves finished their fourth season in this league in 3rd place in the table. Meanwhile Thorpe United completed their second season in the Eastern Region Premier Division, just one step away from the South East Combination.
Norwich City Ladies, providing the highest calibre of female football within Norfolk, had a very successful year in their fourth season in the South East Combination League, sitting in 4th position come the end of the season.
In addition, the County 5IVES Small Sided ladies league has grown to two divisions, which sees women from all age participating every Monday evening at the FDC.
Overall, female football in 2012-13 has been competitive and it is forever growing. This season we have worked hard to provide playing opportunities for girls aged 11-16 within secondary schools, whilst guiding them to local clubs. The Norfolk FA Girls Small Sided School League saw an estimated 630 girls playing. This will be looked into and further developed for the 2013-14 season.
Club link programmes were a real hit towards the end of this season, with new female teams being created and also players being signposted to existing teams. Girl’s football in Norfolk is certainly looking exciting for 2013-14.
Taster sessions are always available to Charter Standard clubs. Therefore, if you are struggling for players for next season please get in contact with Stacey Annison, our Football Development Apprentice, to get the support that is available!
Interested? For more information on local Girls and Women’s football please contact Stacey on 01603 704050 or at Stacey.Annison@NorfolkFA.com. You can also visit TheFA.com for more information on Girls and Women’s football nationally.
For further details about the Norfolk Girls & Women's Football League click here, whilst information relating to County 5IVES is available here.
